Wednesday, December 5, 2012

THE LANDSEER VARIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND DOG

An 1856 painting by Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1873) entitled "Saved" depicting a Landseer Newfoundland dog after saving a child:
 

The Newfoundland dog is typically recognized by a completely black coat color.  The Landseer variety has a white coat with black markings.   Edwin Landseer was both a painter and sculptor.  He was known for his paitings of dogs, horses, and stags.  However, his artistic fame is commonly associated with his lion sculptures in Trafalgar Square, London, England. 

The Landseer variety of Newfoundland dog is named after the painter/sculptor because of his realistic paintings of these dogs in the 1800's.  The following painting by Edwin Landseer is entitled "A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society" and was exhibited in the 1830's:



Coincidentally, a few days ago, I was going through a pile of U. S. mail on my desk.  I had received a mailing from the William Secord Gallery (http://dogpainting.com) in New York City.  The card included an announcement of an acquisition of a retriever dog painting by Edwin Landseer.